Since the story of the assault charges brought against Navy SEALs Matthew McCabe, Julio Huertas and Jonathan Keefe first burst in the media, we have shared with you practically any information that we could get our hands and eyes on regarding the SEALs themselves and the battle that they now face. At this point, we thought that it may also be worth our while to learn a little bit more about the people who will be defending the SEALs that we so strongly support in court.
We start off with the man who will be defending Navy SEAL Matthew McCabe – the only SEAL in the trio who has been accused of actually physically assaulting suspected terrorist Ahmed Hashim Abed. Neal Puckett is a military criminal defense lawyer based in Alexandria, Virginia.
Puckett is no stranger to the military; he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), retiring in April 1997 after serving as the Officer in Charge of the Legal Service Support Section (LSSS) of the Third Force Service Support Group on Okinawa, Japan.
He was commissioned in 1977 by way of a Platoon Leaders Class program after he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from the Indiana University. He majored in both Psychology and Speech Communication. He also holds the following degrees: a J.D. degree from Indiana University School of Law (1984); an LL.M. degree in Criminal Law from the University of San Diego School of Law (1989); and an M.A. degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College (1993).
While in the service, he was the recipient of the Meritorious Service and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.
January 30th, 2010 - 10:32 am
It’s issues like this that make me wonder what this country is thinking??? Are we at a point where terrorists now have more rights than the men and women that proudly defend this country? The same men and women that put their life on the line every day to keep our country safe (something that alot of people take for granted). It’s a shame that our countries finest men have been put in a situation where they constantly need to look over their sholder, expecially when a split second could cost them their life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Matthew McCabe….stand tall.
And thank you Neal Puckett for your part in defending Matthew and our country. I’m not exactly sure how the particular trial proceedings take place, but I assume there must be a prosecuting team also. If so, maybe you should post their information so everyone can see what kind of a person (had to tone it down a bit) would sit on the prosecution side of a case like this.
February 1st, 2010 - 5:46 am
[...] like Neal Puckett and Monica Lombardi, Greg McCormack served in the military. He was a member of the U.S. Army Judge [...]
February 1st, 2010 - 8:21 am
Is the trial scheduled yet? If so, when?
February 1st, 2010 - 7:03 pm
Give the accused Navy Seals Medals for defending this country, an increase in pay, and a increase in rank post haste. Give the terrorist to me.
Thank you,
February 3rd, 2010 - 8:28 pm
Please get these SEALs out of this. This is a total insult to the Armed Forces, and shows the complete impropriety the military now has in trying to make itself look good for the liberal mainstream media.
To shame with Secretary of the Navy, the Admiral who has allowed this go this far, and the rest of their chain of command. TO SHAME ON YOU ALL, sirs. Let’s be honest Admiral(s), if you weren’t so concerned about your own careers, this would not be happening.
-Tom, 3rd SFG, Army veteran
February 8th, 2010 - 8:52 am
Can you post an update here on 02/08/2010 ? The story seems to be lost in the world’s greatest news media.
February 10th, 2010 - 6:36 am
[...] Navy SEAL Matthew McCabe, one of three Navy SEALs involved in the case and the only one accused of actually hitting the detainee, is represented by Neal Puckett. [...]
February 10th, 2010 - 9:58 am
Shame on the U.S. “We bow down to anyone” government for allowing this type of B.S. to occur. Give the boys a medal and let them get back to the job they love . . . the job we respect them for.
February 17th, 2010 - 2:40 pm
I sent 2 letters to Adm. Eric Olson asking him to intercede on behalf of the Seals. NO answer! Apparently NO action also.
February 22nd, 2010 - 4:05 pm
Since when do “Detainee’s” or NON AMERICAN CITIZENS have Constitutional Rights. The “Brass” took an oath to protect our rights, not theirs! The several US Senators that I talked to agreed. These are not US citizens and therefore do not have any Constitutional Rights.
February 23rd, 2010 - 3:06 pm
Although I dislike charges being brought against this serviceman, the question is: Does the military have a UCMJ or not?
Article 93 prohibits maltreatment or abuse. As much as the terrorist captured deserves a bullet in the brain, if PO McCabe did in fact assault the prisoner he must answer to his violation of established law. If PO McCabe shot the guy between the eyes, would that be ok to everyone?
There is only one version of the UCMJ that I am aware of…there isn’t one that has special circumstances that allow unpunished violations.
I hope he is exonerated because the charges are false. Not for the fact that the ‘victim’ deserved what he got.
February 26th, 2010 - 8:12 pm
It’s not embarrassing that MAYBE (and I emphasize MAYBE) one of our soldiers punched a terrorist – it’s embarrassing that the story got beyond the 4 foot parameter of where it SUPPOSEDLY happened. When our “guys” get captured by the enemy, they are beheaded. Poor little Ahmed Hashim Abed…. him has a fat lip….poor baby!
February 26th, 2010 - 8:17 pm
I have a question for William Wilson.
The UCMJ (UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE) states right on the front of their web page
“Congressional Code of Military Criminal Law applicable to all military members worldwide.”
It is apparent that the terrorist whom has allegedly been abused is not part of this “Military Members World Wide” and even if they were lost all rights to be treated equally based on their actions.
So my question would be , are terrorist in any way a part of the UCMJ code of conduct?
February 27th, 2010 - 2:52 pm
I have also served in our Armed Services. I feel that this is an injustice and will prove to be the downfall of our Military in the future. I also feel that the terrorist should be the responsibility of our Military on sceen and not some BACK OFFICE jerk that wants to make a name for himself… This terrorist KILLED Americans and all he got for it was a punch in the stomach… How dare this BACK OFFICE JERK claim to be an AMERICAN…
RELEASE OUR SEALS NOW AND LET THEM GET TO DUTY!!!!!
March 2nd, 2010 - 5:08 pm
I am ashamed, this is not the country my father fought with Patton for during WWII. Are we, the people really paying attention to what is happening here? We send our sons and daughters to war. And this is what they get for defending our country? What an injustice? What a waste of tax payers tax dollars? Give these Seals a pay raise. Promote them, welcome them them home as the hero they are. Then what do you say, let’s give the terrorist the trial? Remember this come election day!
March 3rd, 2010 - 6:38 am
From an old, retired Army Ranger: The training our sons and daughters undergo in preparation to go to war is much harsher than a fat lip or a punch in the stomach, neither of which rise to the level of ABUSE. However vague and all-encompassing those “politically correct”, arm-chair quarterbacks want to make the definition of abuse, they have not earned the right. Abuse should be defined by veterans, those that have seen the elephant, not some lawyer or academic who thinks that hardship, pressure, or frustation is having your cable TV go out. Defining abuse is kind of like defining pornography, the average person may have trouble articulating a definition, but can certainly recognize it when they see it. To those that have been to war, Abed’s treatment falls so far short of abuse as to be laughable. Tell these Seals not to punch the bad guys anymore, because it makes the politicians mad, and then send them back to work. We have unfinished business with those that would kill and butcher America’s citizens.
March 4th, 2010 - 9:32 am
I have been getting updates to this situation since it began. I remember thinking when I first heard about the story, ‘Did I just wake up in Cuba or China?’ I am a retired veteran, served 20 years and supported the military my whole life. Seeing situations like this cause me to wonder how to advise my sons when they ask if they should go into the military. 10 years ago I would have said absolutely, but seeing these situations crop up with the military leaders makes me wonder if that advice would be good now a days. I totally support our troops, wishing military leaders did too, and would still give my life for this country. I would hope that the charges be lifted and slap these guys hands and tell them “No more punching terrorist suspects that ‘allegedly’ drug Americans behind a car and then hung them from a bridge!” Being very stern with them, maybe even punch them in the stomach. They’re Seals! I know they could take it. I am very proud of you guys!! Hand in there. My prayers and hopes are with you.
March 5th, 2010 - 8:12 am
[...] lawyer Neil Puckett also appeared on Happening Now on Fox, also to talk about the [...]
March 5th, 2010 - 8:46 pm
Thank you Matthew. I was in my sixties when I saw the contractors on the bridge. I was on cnn and I cried. Thank yo u for capturing him before he tortured and hung more people on the bridge. We don”t believe in persecuting and prosecuting our young seals. When we coddle and protect terroists, we have lost our way. Your in my prayers , and Neil puckett, your in my prayers as well. M . K. P s. A lot of people have forgotten about the terrorists and their atrocities , beheadings, the disinegration of 3000 innocents in New york, the loss of thousands of our young ,brave military . But I have’nt forgotten.
March 6th, 2010 - 7:34 am
I was moved by your story and only wish you the best. I work in Law Enforcement and we too are being closely scrutinized for every little thing that happens to a detainee. Doing what must be done is a hard thing but I beleive that true justice will prevail in this and you will be exonerated. No matter what the final outcome, know that you ARE a hero to the vast majority of True Americans and we will never forget the sacrifices of our military forces.
March 9th, 2010 - 3:47 pm
Let me see if I understand this correctly. If Ahmed Hashim Abed had been killed in the field instead of captured, Matthew McCabe and the others would have been heros. But, because Ahmed was captured, he is now given more rights and credibility than the Navy SEALS, and our SEALS have gone from heros to zeros. Could it be that Ahmed is playing our system and the bureaucrats for the fools they aparently are. Do you think George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Regan (to name a very few) would have allowed this travesty of justice to go this far? Maybe our bureaucrats should put themselves in the hands of the terrorists so they can get a really good definition of abuse! If they’re not willing to do that, maybe they could talk with John McCain to get a clear definition.
March 12th, 2010 - 1:35 am
GOD BLESS THE USA, THE NILITARY, THE NAVY, THE SEALS, AND EVERY OTHER SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN. There are so many good points in the blogs here. Both for and against. I have served in the Navy for 26 years and believe in our leadership. I do think there is a lot of politics at play here, and definitely some officers that are afraid to take a stand and need to be “politically correct.” Thank you to all of the SEALS and anyone else that was there for making this capture. And before ANYONE should pass a judgement, either way, we should know all the facts, which is evident that we don’t. Someone in a blog said that if he violated the rules than hr should be prosecuted. Maybe so. But it should be extremely outweighed by the risk and accomplishment of all the personell that risked their lives to make the apprehension. If he was punched, and it happened in the course of the apprehension it should have been handled by the immediate supervision their. Maybe it was a reflex in the moment of the adreneline. Maybe it was a response to the all the awful atrocities these servicemen have seen, maybe it was in response to a lost friend in this awful, but needed war. In any case, who cares. Better that he punched a terrorist, (if he did), than take it out on his family, or friends, or himself. Maybe it was just a release. We send our young men and women to battle and expect that everything will be handled perfectly by them. We it can’t be. Most of them are barely old enough to have a drink, yet we often set the weight of the world on their shoulders. We expect that they can handle it all. And these seals are trained, and trained, and trained, to be physical. To win. To kill effectively. To act instinctively. But then turn it off the moment there is an apprehension. Can’t happen. It is like someone said, there is an officer some where that just wants to look good and cover his ass. THe only exception is if this alleged punch happened after he had been transported and locked up and someone went in and punched him later. Then maybe, MAYBE, the Petty Officer should be accountable. But the PRESS needs to make it more than that. There was no abuse, to torture, to deprivation of food and water. Just a PUNCH. It really is sorry what we have come to. I hope to GOD that someone comes to their senses and ends this. I am sure that a military trial with a jury of his peers will do the right thing. Unless of course there is a whole lot more to this than anyone is letting one. But I doubt it. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL.
March 12th, 2010 - 4:11 am
It’s infuriating that our government is more interested in political correctness than in supporting our own interests and our own troops. Who is served by PERSECUTING these men? Are we pampering the enemy so we look like “good guys”? To whom? Well folks, it only makes us look life soft idiots in a part of the world where only strength is respected. As a Trade Tower widow I would personally like to thank the Seals who brought this scum to justice.This was a job well done. The fact that the President has not tried to squash this trail tells you volumes about exactly who he is and where he stands in supporting our military. The Seals may not have the support of our government or President, but they have the support of the People. Admirals and Presidents come and go, but the People remain.
March 12th, 2010 - 9:33 am
As a Police Officer in the Washington D.C. area for over 15 years, I thought I’ve seen and heard it all, but this just burns me up. If I as a police officer punch a suspect it has to be because I’m defending myself or another person and I fear for myself or the other person. That’s here in the U.S. not in a foreign land fighting an armed terrorist group. Everyone and I mean everyone, “President, Congress, U.S. Courts, Military brass, and yes even the public”, need to understand that Iraq is not the streets of the U.S. and attempting to apply police style standards of care to a detained suspect in a combat area are put simply “STUPID”.
March 12th, 2010 - 9:47 am
Does anyone know the name of the jackass pressing the charges? Maybe she should feel some heat.
March 12th, 2010 - 11:27 pm
I say, if we are not going to let our men and women fight this war and win it, then bring them home. If every time an enemy is killed, or hit, or God forbid, someone puts panties on someone’s head, our soldier have to stand trial, then BRING THEM HOME! If the good people of this country don’t stand behind Matthew McCabe and the other men and allow them to be punished for hitting a MONSTER, then we deserve what we get when we can’t get anyone to defend us. Has the world gone nuts?
Matthew McCabe, you are a hero and thank you and honor you for your service to our country…to me personally. I can lay down at night and sleep in peace knowing that there are men and women like you standing watch over my country. What can I do to help you now?
March 14th, 2010 - 10:05 am
I concur with all. charges upon any serviceman (or woman) for any such alleged act as this, is out of line; simply because these bad boy terrorists do not have any rights. It is said that they are willing to die for their cause, apparently more honorable than getting a split lip. That should have been the case, and there would be no case.
Let us anticipate, hope and pray, all of this will be dropped and aquitted.
My prediction: Should this political interference continue, it will be difficult to augment much of any billets in any arm of our armed services.
Me: fmr Navy E-6
March 15th, 2010 - 11:16 am
In response to the post of William Wilson dated February 23rd, 2010 –
Yes we do have a UCMJ that all soldiers must follow. In the same respect however, look at the situation and the Soldier that is on trial here and also look at the offense committed. HE IS A SEAL… A special forces Soldier trained in close quarters combat, and other such things. The foreign national that the Soldier “assaulted” was a wanted man and was detained. As in any situation there are extenuating circumstances that could have led to the end result. To try a Soldier for giving someone a fat lip? Come on what kind of culture do we now live in. If that is the case should we also try every child or adult for that matter that gets into a fight? Let the evidence do it’s job, and hope that the authorities who have the power to control this realize the seriousness and severity of the job that our Special Forces do, seeing as how they go into much more dangerous and deadly situations than we mere Soldiers do. For the sake of our SEALs, support them, do not ostrisize them because the man responsible for killing other members of our Armed Forces got a split lip.
March 15th, 2010 - 11:21 am
Anything that I can do to help, Anything at all, please let me know.. Very Respectfully, Erik Nantz, SPC, U.S. Army
March 15th, 2010 - 4:31 pm
I am outraged that this is happening. Our military deserves better. They put their lives on the line for us. How can we treat them that way?
March 16th, 2010 - 5:06 am
As a prosecutor, veteran, and former military spouse this action by our government disgusts me on many levels. I am confident that if they or their family needed to be rescued by these valiant heroes, they would be singing an entirely different song. You will be in our prayers.
March 16th, 2010 - 5:51 am
No wonder our country is in trouble. Not only are the ethics of the President and Congress in question, but now our military are being punished for doing their jobs.
The Navy Seals I have known are dedicated, honorable men.
What is happening to this great country of ours????
March 17th, 2010 - 10:17 am
Is there a specific avenue (s) to offer support of various nature to these men? please advise.
It is difficult to find words to express the outrage over their treatment in serving our nation.
March 17th, 2010 - 1:58 pm
Has our Country lost it’s mind? I’m glad we don’t have an Iwo Jima to deal with, the winners would have the invasion stopped with an injunction. They couldn’t stomach US Marine casualties of a thousand Marines killed the first day and only 200 of 20 thousand Japanese survived. My how we are now perceived. Get some guts fellow Americans and throw these Bum’s out of office.Those who would disgrace these brave men in uniform. Shame on you, your traitors!!
March 19th, 2010 - 11:59 am
MATHEW,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
MY THOUGHTS AND HOPES ARE WITH YOU.
SEMPER FI,
BOB CAYTON
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
U.S.M.C. 1956 – 1960
March 20th, 2010 - 5:27 am
So the poor baby got a fat lip, well boo hoo!
As the daughter, and wife, of military men who served and fought to give this country it’s freedom, I am ashamed of what it has become. When are we going to say “NO MORE” no more treating our servicemen like trash under our shoes! Shame on every one of the politicians who stand by and let this happen. Wake up America, it is time to take this country back and make it as honorable and strong as it once was.
This man deserves our thanks and payers not this disgraceful treatment!
March 29th, 2010 - 9:35 am
so its ok for them to murder and drag the victim through the streets, and its ok for this seal to risk his life day in and day out, bullets flying at his head. But because the criminal in question was beat up, this guy is getting charged? My lord this is ludicrous. Sure is messed up. This guys work is life or death everyday he is over there. What is the accusers? An office, a cubicle, a workshop? They will never know the stress of this guy and now they are throwing stones at him. Shameful. This isn’t murder, this isn’t even mutilating, or torture. It was a back yard case of a good ass whooping. To all you “by the bookers”, may you never suffer the loss of a close friend or relative, may you never have to deal with the terrible experiences soldiers endure. But only if you have, can you possibly understand that sometimes, being by the book, just isn’t the correct thing to do. You think you know what’s best, but you have not been there. These guys are heroes. Not criminals.
March 30th, 2010 - 8:32 am
I can’t express just exactly how sick to my stomach this makes me. Prayers to you Matthew, Neal and fellow American soldiers. Stand tall. It’s an abomination that a terrorist can cry about his fat-lip all the while making our wonderful and heroic soldiers go through this ridiculous process. I guess the prosecutor just blatantly disregards the fact this piece of trash terrorist captured an American soldier, tortured him, dragged his body, burned it, hung him and proceeded to celebrate over his actions. I wonder if this heartless prosecutor would continue this parade if that would have been their offspring up on the bridge? Disgusting!
April 10th, 2010 - 6:27 am
Tear ‘em up, Neal Puckett! I’m glad Petty Officer McCabe has you behind him – you are yourself a great American and trained as one of the world’s most elite class of warriors. You win. In the process, you make his accusers feel ashamed of themselves. Their conduct is shameful. McCabe, I admire you and respect you as among the best of the best. God bless you and may God bless America – we need it. Ed Rule, CDR, USN (Ret.)
April 19th, 2010 - 10:20 am
Hurrah’s for the Seal’s bravery and for doing the job they were trained for. They should be shown the utmost respect and not drug through the coals. Give the terrorists to the American people and see how long they live. What are the people in charge thinking and what are they thinking with? I dare not say what I think here in a public forum. Thank you military men and women for keeping this country free and for fighting here and abroad and I am sorry you are even having to watch your backs.
April 28th, 2010 - 8:45 am
Makes me sick how the gov’t would charge our boys after putting their lives on the line.
For punching a terrorist in the face after the terrorist burned and then hung the bodies of american contractors.
May 4th, 2010 - 9:01 am
I want to SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My blood boils. How dare they?! Navy SEAL Matthew McCabe is a hero. One can’t abuse or mistreat a terrorist. Mr. Puckett many people on your blog already said what I would like to say and I thank them for that. However, I must ask you to either setup or inform us of a way to donate money to Matthew’s defense or general hardship fund.
Please let us know.
May 6th, 2010 - 2:46 pm
Please relay to Mccabe how much we apprecate his service. I am a former sailor (ET1) who served aboard the USS Bassett – APD 73,in the Korean war, and our ship transported UDT teams 2 and 4 (former name for the SEALS) on many missions. You are a hero, and we, as a nation, are forever in your debt.
If you were near us, I would be proud to buy you a beer !
May 6th, 2010 - 3:59 pm
Mr Puckett,
Thank you! Finally the good guys win one. Remember that there are many Americans out here who truly appreciate what both our soldiers and those who defend them mean to us.
Scott Spindler
May 9th, 2010 - 11:04 pm
Honestly, this just doesn’t make any sense. You guys read “Lone Survivor”? He discusses this exact issue in great length. Overall I suppose I’m a ‘liberal’ (maybe on 60% of issues, not all) but no one I know or myself have any clue as to where all of this stuff is coming from!!! This is a war, for darn sake. If its a police action, please remove the Seals (give them something else of more importance to do), put in a bunch of cops, maybe some ROTC, and do some policing. If its a war, then bring in the Seals and the rest of our armed forces.
Okay – so – seriously – to a ‘liberal’ – can someone explain the rationale behind what went on here? I don’t have a clue as to any reasonable reason for this. Even if he did hit him across the face! Ten times! Maybe a few knees! An elbow? That too! That still shouldn’t result in such a response from the lawyers and whatever. Its, um, a, um, WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeez….. I would think the tanks and helicopters would give it away.
Everyone go read Lone Survivor… Either we are in a war or we aren’t. You heard it here. From a liberal. (I don’t really know what that even means anymore.)
(But really, I’m being serious, if anyone can explain this, I really want to understand what is going on here. It just makes no sense. So even if you disagree, if you can state what the reasoning is, please do.)
May 9th, 2010 - 11:40 pm
I found this:
http://blog.usnavyseals.com/2010/05/u-s-central-command-defends-seal-trials.html
“this is a loophole that insurgents have identified and are taking advantage of. It may just have made a mockery of America…”
They say the point was to show ‘process’ and how civilized we are. Kudos again to McCabe for dealing with all of this.
Next time Central Command, pick something with substance to show process and civilization, not nonsense. This was nonsense, and did indeed make a mockery of our ‘process’.